Twelve years ago today, I started this blog. That was on blogspot – believe it or not, it still exists; truly, the Internet is forever – and a few months later I had my own domain. I don’t do retrospectives, I don’t have a list of favorite or “most popular” posts readily available, and sometimes I don’t even remember to mark my blogging anniversaries, but I figured I ought to mention it this time, as I enter my baker’s dozenth year at it.
I tend to be a creature of habit, and when I find something I like that works for me, I just keep doing it. That’s the basic answer to the question of why I do this and how long I plan to keep doing it. It’s fun, I get something out of it, I’d miss it if I weren’t doing it, so I have no plans to stop. The day when those things are no longer true will come, but it’s not on my radar just yet.
One of the things I have enjoyed getting from this blog is a long list of friendships and acquaintances from across the political spectrum and in media, traditional and otherwise. I’ve gotten to meet a whole lot more people in real life because of this Internet thing than I could have without it. I’ve gotten to be on TV – I’ll be doing another episode of Red, White, and Blue to be aired on January 17 – and on radio – I’m doing another segment of “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” for Houston Matters for this Friday, the 3rd – and discovered that I enjoy doing those things as well. More recently, I discovered that I have achieved the pinnacle of Internet fame when I stumbled across a Wikipedia page for this blog. I swear on whatever you have handy that I had nothing to do with that, and that I have no idea who created it.
Most of all, I enjoy the feedback I get from you, my readers. It still amazes me that there are people who read this blog. Thank you for doing so, thank you for commenting, and especially thank you for letting me know when I’ve got something wrong, and when I’ve got something right. I’d probably still write this thing if all my words were going into a big void, but it’s a lot more fun this way. As a reminder, there are multiple ways you can be notified about new posts on this blog. There’s good old fashioned RSS, there’s the Off the Kuff Twitter feed, and there’s the Off the Kuff Facebook page, which has 422 followers and which I’d dearly love to get to 500, if you’re so inclined. But however you access this blog, thank you for doing so, and thank you for coming back. Here’s to another fun year.
I may have created the Wikipedia page. I figured, “Why BOR and not Kuff?” But seriously, congratulations on the great work and good luck looking ahead.
Congratulations, Kuffner! Your posts have filled a major gap in this city’s knowledge base. Your ability to cull information on diverse topics, provide clear analysis, and give us fresh insights with a touch of humor and often cutting wit has consistently made your blog a must read. I admire your discipline and writing style, and may “Off the Kuff” flourish for years to come.
Twelve years of covering Houston and Texas with incomparable dedication, expert analysis and wonderful wit. Congrats Charles, and here’s to a great 2014!!
I’m glad you provide a resource to demonstrate in friends in foreign states that we aren’t all batspit crazy here. Merry new year!
I always love the interviews you do and how you always bend over backwards when your interviewing a candidate that you your self is rooting for,i find it somewhat fantastical,bottom line :you’ve done kid, keep up the good work”………………
Joshua ben bullard
Seems to get better every year. Keep up the good work! And, Happy New Year.
You’ve been my Texas politics “go-to” blogger for approximately forever, and don’t think I don’t appreciate it. Thanks, Kuff, and may there be many more years to come.
Appreciate the well written insightful coverage. What an asset for Houstonians and glad you plan on continuing. Thanks.
I applaud your public-mindedness, and respect just how much time you have diverted from family and other interests to do this.
You have done a great job keeping the focus on Houston politics and I love how you have a keen eye on the electoral. You are indispensable from the blogging world, Kuff!
I look forward to you keeping us up to date on Harris in 2014!
I agree with all of the above!